Conservation and sustainable development : Striking a ...d2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net/downloads/annual_report_2013_2014... · Conservation and sustainable development : Striking

WWF-Cambodia Annual Report 2013-2014

Conservation and sustainable development :Striking a balance in Cambodia

© N

ick Cox/ W

WF-C

ambodia

WWF-CAMBODIA MISSION STATEMENTWWF’s mission in Cambodia is to ensure that there will be strong participation and support from all people to conserve the country’s rich biological diversity. Through encouraging sustainable use of natural resources, WWF-Cambodia promotes new opportunities for the benefit of all people, enhancing local livelihoods and contributing to poverty reduction in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

WWF’S GREATER MEKONG PROGRAMMEA biological treasure trove, the Greater Mekong Region harbours some of the richest and most valuable habitats on Earth. It is home to more than 100 indigenous groups, 20,000 plant species, 1,200 bird species, 800 reptile and amphibian species, 430 mammal species and 1,300 fish species. However, it is now under serious threat. Large-scale hydropower projects, rampant development, climate change, the illegal wildlife trade and deforestation are challenging the region’s outstanding biodiversity and its ability to support 300 million people who depend on its natural resources. Ongoing degradation of its ecosystems puts iconic wildlife such as the Asian tiger, elephant, sun bear, Mekong giant catfish and the Irrawaddy dolphin on the brink of extinction. But there is hope. WWF is implementing a comprehensive conservation initiative across the region. Our Greater Mekong Programme coordinates efforts across five country offices – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – and spans 600,000km2 of the most biologically diverse and economically important forests and rivers in Southeast Asia. Together with government, business and civil society partners, we are spearheading the protection of diverse wild species, encouraging sustainable forestry and non-timber forest product management, while promoting the sustainable use of freshwater resources. We are helping communities and governments adapt to climate change, and improving livelihoods by balancing conservation and development.

© Fletcher and B

aylis / WW

F-Cam

bodia

CONTENTS

Written and edited by Anja Nieveler and Philip Sen/Tell-Our-Story (www.tell-our-story.com)Concept and Design by Anja Nieveler and Philip Sen/Tell Our Story 2014Front cover photo: © Nick Cox / WWF-CambodiaPrinted by Three Q Colour/Phnom Penh, CambodiaPublished in February 2015 by WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature Cambodia (Formerly World Wildlife Fund), Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Any reproduction in full or in part must mention the title and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner.© Text 2014 WWFAll rights reserved WWF is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries.WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION 1

MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNTRY DIRECTOR 2

THE WWF-CAMBODIA APPROACH 3

PROTECTING CAMBODIA’S DRY FORESTS 4

2013-2014 AT A GLANCE 5-6Supporting the protectors 5Growing the sustainable rattan industry 5Promoting a green economy 6Improving community livelihoods 6A milestone for the Mekong flooded forests 6

WHAT IS A LANDSCAPE? 7

SAFEGUARDING THE MEKONG RIVER 8

PRESERVING SPECIES, ENGAGING PEOPLE 9-10Re-introducing tigers to Cambodia 9Saving the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin 10Mysterious Mekong 10

ACTING FOR THE FUTURE 11Stop the Don Sahong Dam 11Youths take the lead @ Earth Hour 2014 11

WWF-CAMBODIA INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 12

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION

We extend our gratitude to all of our partners in conservation.

Conservation International

European Union

Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

USAID

Wildlife Alliance

Association of Buddhists for the Environment (ABE)

Birdlife International

Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT)

Community Economic Development (CED)

Flora and Fauna International (FFI)

IUCN

My Village

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

General Department of Administration of Nature Conservation and Protection

Non-timber Forest Products Ex-change Programme (NFTP-EP)

Oxfam

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Wetlands Alliance Project

University of Oxford - Wildlife Conservation Research Unit

Rattan Association of Cambodia

Mondulkiri Wild Honey Network

Ministry of EnvironmentGeneral Department of Administration of Nature Conservation and Protection

Provincial Departments of Tourism (Mondulkiri, Kratie, Steung Treng)

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

RECOFTCProvincial Departments of Land Man-agement, Urban Planning and Con-struction (Mondulkiri, Kratie, Steung Treng)

Provincial Departments of the Environment (Mondulkiri, Kratie, Steung Treng)

WWF-Switzerland

Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA)

Ministry of the Environment

ELIE - Elephant Valley Project

NGO Forum on Cambodia

WWF-USA

WWF-Denmark

WWF-Sweden

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Royal University of Phnom Penh

Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia

DANIDA

Youth Resource Development Program (YRDP)

Save Cambodia’s Wildlife (SCW)

Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT)

Nomad RSI

Provincial Governor’s Offices (Mondulkiri, Kratie and Steung Treng)

BMZ

SIDA

World Fish

Winrock

Cambodia Volunteers for Society (CVS)

3S Rivers Protection Network (3SPN)

Northeastern Rural Development (NRD)

Cambodia National Mekong Committee

WWF-UK

HSBC

WWF-GermanyIndividual Donors

October Hill Foundation Provincial Departments of Commerce

Provincial Departments of Public Works and Transportation

Provincial and Military Police

Mondulkiri Forest Venture

Cambodia NTFP Working Group

Cambodian Federation for Bee Conservation and Community-Based Wild Honey Enterprises (CBHE)

Rivers Coalition CambodiaMondulkiri NGO Network

CEDAC

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park & Wildlife Rescue Center

WWF-Cambodia 2013-2014 | 1

MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNTRY DIRECTOR

We have to halt the degradation of our country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources, and build a future where Cambodians live in harmony with nature.

To achieve this mission, we need to strike a balance between conservation and economic development, and approach sustainability in Cambodia. Our actions on the ground are often urgent, but ultimately we are here to inspire long-lasting change, empowering communities through strong participation and ownership in the protection of Cambodia’s natural environment and resources.

In this Annual Report for 2013-2014, we share with you our focus, challenges and achievements on ensuring conservation impacts through sound science, community empowerment, influencing policy decisions, and through forging partnerships with businesses, civil society, and government.

From the riverine habitats along the Mekong River, our scientists are observing the survival of six calves and a decline in average mortality of the critically endangered population of Irrawaddy dolphins. The landscape’s unique Mekong flooded forests, that have long been recognised for its importance to ecology and economy, is now designated as a special protection zone by the Royal Government of Cambodia.

In the dry forests of the eastern plains, our close monitoring suggests that tiger prey populations have remained relatively stable, despite increasing pressures on the landscape. In addition, communities are empowered to protect their natural resources through incomes generation opportunities and capacity building of community fishery and forestry patrol groups.

Yet there is always more to do. The rapid degradation of Cambodia’s biodiversity hotspots endangers wildlife, wild habitats and human beings too. If we don’t act now, the precious forests and rich freshwater biodiversity of the Greater Mekong region are likely to disappear in the near future.

To tackle these issues successfully, we have to continue strengthening our partnerships. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia; NGOs, research and business partners; and the generous donors who make our work possible. We look forward to your continued and active support.

Furthermore, I would like to thank the entire WWF-Cambodia team. Their passion and commitment is an inspiration to me every day.

Chhith Sam Ath Country Director, WWF-Cambodia

“Our mission in Cambodia is vital, so our goals are ambitious.

© W

WF-C

ambodia

WWF-Cambodia Staff Retreat, Sihanoukville, May 2014.


228 MORE UNGULATES

A TIGER PREY SURVEY FOUND 228 MORE LARGE

UNGULATES THAN EXPECTED, INCLUDING THE GLOBALLY

ENDANGERED BANTENG

BRINGINGBACK TIGERS

THE MONDULKIRI PROTECTED FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN IS NOW UNDER DEVELOP-

MENT BY THE FORESTRY ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING A REINTRODUCTION SCHEME THAT

AIMS TO RETURN TIGERS TO EPL BY 2022

WWF-Cambodia’s conservation programme started more than 15 years ago. It focuses on national-level policy interventions and field-level actions in two landscapes: the Eastern Plains Landscapes (EPL), comprising dry forests; and the Siphandone-Stung-Treng-Kratie (SSK) landscape that stretches along the Mekong river’s riverine habitats. The programme is built over the following four strategies of interventions: (1) Securing landscape integrity, sustaining conservation and livelihood development(2) Freshwater and sustainable hydropower(3) Protected area management, enforcement and conservation research (4) Sustainable financing and the green economy

THE WWF-CAMBODIA APPROACH


PROTECTING CAMBODIA’S DRY FORESTSSince 2001, the Eastern Plains Landscape (EPL) programme has protected one of the largest remaining intact dry forests in Indochina. It focuses on landscape integrity, climate change resilience, law enforcement, community engagement and biological research. WWF is partnering with the Government on the management of Mondulkiri Protected Forest and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary areas that cover approximately 16,000km2 and addresses a broad range of threats from forest conversion to the illegal wildlife trade, land encroachment, and infrastructure development. WWF launched an innovative conservation based initiative with the European Union and USAID that gives financial support to better manage protected areas and improve local livelihoods through community-based enterprises, and through attracting sustainable private sector investment to finance protected area management. These small-scale, community-run businesses include resin tree tapping and beekeeping, and will be supported through investment mechanisms. WWF engaged and helped build the provincial government capacity to better understand the ecosystem services that are available in Mondulkiri through mapping and economic valuation. Steps have been taken to stimulate ecotourism. WWF has been supporting the development of the Mondulkiri’s Provincial Tourism Development Strategic Plan, which aims to see an increase of up to 300,000 tourists by 2018.

10,000PEOPLE

MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE RECEIVED INCREASED ECONOMIC BENEFITS

DERIVED FROM SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND

CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES

CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION

CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM AGREED ON TRANS-BOUNDARY CONSERVATION

COOPERATION, COVERING CAMBODIA’S EASTERN PLAINS AND THE BORDERING YOK DON NATIONAL PARK IN VIETNAM

© N

ick Cox/ W

WF-C

ambodia


2013 - 2014AT A GLANCE

SUPPORTING THE PROTECTORS......of wildlife, wild habitats, and natural resources, WWF recruited 13 new staff representing government and local com-munities to support law enforcement in the Mondulkiri Protected Forest. Along the Mekong river, 67 river guards each received more than 25 hours of training and basic equipment, including lifejack-ets and GPS systems. This helps them patrol and enforce regulations to protect the Mekong’s outstanding biodiversity and fisheries.

GROWING THE SUSTAINABLE

RATTAN INDUSTRY......together with partners such as the Rattan Association of Cambodia, WWF helped train 609 villagers and sevenrattan enterprises; and enriched 178ha of forests with 135,250 new seedlings within three years of implementa-tion. More than 8,300ha of natural forest in five provinces are now under sustainable management and endorsed by the Cambodian Government.

© K

hem C

hhor Vida / W

WF-C

ambodia

© A

snarith Tep/ WW

F-Cam

bodia

To find out more, visit cambodia.panda.org

VIETNAM

LAOS

THAILAND

PREAH SIHANOUK


Plenty has passed over the last two years. While busy plotting objectives and work-ing towards planned outcomes, new challenges often appeared on the horizon to test our resolve. We met them in good faith, armed with sound science and much support from our partners. Here are some accomplishments and progress we celebrate:

VIETNAM

LAOS

THAILAND

PREAH SIHANOUK

IMPROVING COMMUNITY LIVELIHOODS......through conservation is a priority for WWF. Mondulkiri’s first ecotourism hub, Hefalump Cafe, and first honey shop were set up by WWF and partners to support ecotourism and local produce. Through local partners and communities, WWF promotes sustainable non-timber forest products. WWF empowers communities to be the stewards of protecting their natural resources by providing training and equipment, and by making market linkages.

PROMOTING A GREEN ECONOMY...... is an essential part of Cambodia’s roadmap to achieve sustainable economic development. WWF is developing strategies to properly mea-sure and value Cambodia’s natural capital, with the aim of sustainably harvesting timber and non-timber products, agricultural and fisheries products and hydroelectric power to ensure so-cial equity and access to natural resources for all Cambodians. In 2013, the roadmap was realised as a National Strategy, motivating a number of significant policy developments and reforms. Together with Conservation International and Flora & Fauna International, WWF is working to build the capacity of the government in imple-menting these strategies.

A MILESTONE FOR THE

MEKONG FLOODED FORESTS......was achieved when the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued a prakas (directive) officially designating a 56km section of the Mekong mainstream between Kratie and Stung Treng towns as a “management and conservation site for biodiversity and fisheries resources”. Known for its outstanding biodiversity, this official recognition of the need to protect Cambodia’s Mekong flooded forests provides an opportunity for the recovery of many globally significant animal and plant species, such as the critically endangered giant ibis, and recently discovered species found only in this area, such as the unique corpse plant (amorphophallus) species.

© S

ong Chhapon M

ina / WW

F-Cam

bodia

facebook.com/wwfcambodia www.youtube.com/wwfcambodia


What is a landscape? A landscape encompasses a mosaic of land from cultivated to wild lands over a large geographic area that has been shaped and influenced by human interaction over time (IUCN, 2005). This multi-dimensional and dynamic definition of a landscape is the basis for developing a sustainable and integrated approach to manage and develop the multiple functions and ecosystem services of the area, and enhance biodiversity and bio capacities.

SIX IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN CALVES

CURRENTLY BEING MONITORED IN THE MEKONG; IN TOTAL

ANNUAL AVERAGE MORTALITY HAS DECLINED FROM 11 TO 5

STUNG TRENG RAMSAR SITEMANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED AT

THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL: NOW PENDING NATIONAL APPROVAL

WHAT IS A LANDSCAPE?


26 VILLAGES 13 SCHOOLS 11 PAGODAS

REACHED OUT TO ON PROTECTING DOLPHINS AND ENDANGERED BIRD NESTS:

849 PEOPLE ATTENDED WORKSHOPS ABOUT ECOTOURISM AND THE DON SAHONG DAM

70,000+METRES OF GILLNET REMOVED IN DOLPHIN PROTECTION CORE

ZONES: LAW ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES HAVE BEEN

REVIEWED AND APPROVED

Second only to the Amazon in terms of fish biodiversity, the Mekong River is recognised as one of WWF’s 200 global ecoregions. Flowing through five countries, it gives life to an amazing array of wildlife and the most productive inland fisheries in the world. More than 60 million people are dependent on the Mekong for their food and livelihoods. The riverine Siphandone-Stung Treng-Kratie (SSK) landscape has been a WWF priority in Cambodia since 2006. We focus on the protection of endangered wildlife and habitats through research, community engagement, enforcement and policy influence. By engaging closely with local communities, plus the provincial and national governments, WWF works to mainstream conservation management into provincial development plans. This helps safeguard biodiversity, sustainable land use and livelihoods. These efforts have led to outcomes worth celebrating, not to mention further strong committment. The Mekong flooded forests were recently designated for special protection and management, and impementation approval is now underway for the Stung Treng Ramsar management plan. WWF continues to support the government in protecting the landscape through training river guards and providing basic equipment. We are also helping to empower more than 2,500 people living in and around the protected areas, raising awareness on the value of sustaining natural resources; working on improving their livelihoods; and assisting the establishment of community forestry and fishery groups, through which local communities are engaged to protect their natural resources.

© G

erard Ryan / W

WF-C

ambodia

SAFEGUARDING THE MEKONG RIVER


Reintroducing Tigers to CambodiaJust 50 years ago, the Eastern Plains Landscape hosted thousands of tigers. None have been sighted since 2007. However, the quality of the habitat makes the Eastern Plains one of the most promising sites in Southeast Asia for tiger recovery programmes. To ensure they have enough space and prey, WWF-Cambodia continues to conduct research such as monitoring of tiger prey and recently submitted a Tiger Reintroduction Feasibility Study to stimulate cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia.

PRESERVING SPECIESENGAGING PEOPLE

Only through working together can we safeguard endangered species in our two priority landscapes, while enhancing sustainable commercial practices.

© Foresty A

dministration &

WW

F-Cam

bodia

“The support of WWF-Cambodia has been essential to building the capacity of local officials to effectively monitor and enforce regulations to prevent further deforestation in the Eastern Plains Landscape.” His Excellency Chheng Kimsun, Government Delegate and Chair of the Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

“We recognise WWF-Cambodia as a key partner in the development of our ecotourism and livelihoods projects, which are helping many people escape poverty in a sustainable manner.” Mr. Or Channy, Executive Director, Cambodian Rural Development Team

“WWF is an important partner to Conservation International, especially in pushing for much-needed research and monitoring on Cambodia’s protected areas and in helping to develop science-based and sound policies for green growth.” Mr. Seng Bunra, Country Director, Conservation International in Cambodia

© B

jorn Svensson / W

WF-C

ambodia


Saving the Mekong Irrawaddy DolphinJust 85 critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) remain in the Mekong River. The Irrawaddy dolphin has been recognized by the Cambodian government as living national heritage, and the species has boosted livelihoods through tourism. WWF works with the government to enforce regulations against

© G

erard Ryan/ W

WF-C

ambodia

“Millions of Cambodians depend on fish as a major source of protein, and inevitably this comes into conflict with biodiversity in the Mekong... However, we are able to mitigate the effects in cooperation with partners such as WWF-Cambodia” His Excellency Prof. Dr. Nao Thuok, Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Director General of the Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Mysterious Mekong

The Cambodian Tailorbird surprisingly living in Phnom Penh, a rainbow lizard from Ratanakiri Province and the Zorro-masked snake are only three of the 13 species newly discovered by scientists in Cambodia in 2012-2013 and described in WWF’s new Mysterious Mekong report.

© C

ambodian Tailorbird by Jam

es Eaton/ B

irdtour Asia


“We are dedicated to preserving Cambodia’s glorious natural heritage, while realising that economic development is also necessary to improve people’s livelihoods... Striking the balance is essential, and working with WWF-Cambodia is instrumental in developing our key policies on Green Growth to drive Cambodia towards sustainable development.” His Excellency Say Sam Al, Minister of the Environment

STOP THE DON SAHONG DAMTo save the last remaining Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River, and protect millions of people dependent on fisheries and agricultural resources, WWF-Cambodia launched a global campaign in May 2014 to halt the construction of the controversial Don Sahong Dam. Located on the Mekong in Lao - just a kilometre upstream of Cambodia - if built the dam would not only hasten the extinction of the critically endangered population of Mekong dolphins. It will also block the only channel suitable for year-round fish migration, putting the world’s largest inland fishery at risk.

WWF is calling for a moratorium on the Don Sahong Dam until the costs, impacts and benefits associated with this project have been fully accounted for. We are actively engaging with government and civil society to ensure the sustainable development of the Mekong river basin.

“The Directors of Mega First have a choice – to side with

the great river and its people, and find a sustainable path,

or to continue with this flawed project and precipitate the extinction of the Mekong’s

dolphins.”

Gerard Ryan, author of a scientific review on the

potential impacts of the Don Sahong Hydropower Project

© Thom

as Cristofoletti/ W

WF-C

ambodia

ACTING FOR THE FUTURE

268,000+PEOPLE

SIGNED WWF’S GLOBAL PETITION

© K

hem C

hhor Vida / W

WF-C

ambodia

On the evening of 29 March 2014, more than a 1,000 youthful faces were lit up by candle light at Phnom Penh’s Institute of Foreign Languages. Led by the Fulbright and Undergraduate State Alumni Association of Cambodia (FUSAAC) and supported by WWF, Earth Hour Cambodia 2014 called on youths to show their commitment to protect the planet.

Aside from the symbolic one-hour lights out, participants gathered to share their concerns about the environment and reflect on how they can take meaningful actions for Cambodia’s environment and the Earth.


YOUTHS TAKE THE LEAD @ EARTH HOUR 2014

PROGRAMME INCOMEUSD 6,030,516

PROGRAMME EXPENDITUREUSD 4,249,289

WWF-Cambodia Programme Income and Expenditure FY 2013 - FY 2014

WWF-Cambodia Income and Expenditure Statement FY 2013- FY 2014From July 2013 to June 2014, WWF had an available budget of USD 6,030,516, of which it spent USD 4,249,289 on operations and its landscape programmes in the Siphandone-Stung-Treng and Eastern Plains Landscapes, as well as on its Green Economy Rattan project.

USD 2,965,809Eastern Plains Landscapeprogramme

USD 1,706,022Siphadone Stung Treng Kratie Landscape programme

USD 170,266Rattan project

USD 1,278,647Siphadone Steung Treng Kratie Landscape programme

USD 1,766,226Eastern Plains Landscape programme

USD 168,593Rattan project

USD 1,190,092Operations

USD 1,034,150Operations


© 1986 Panda symbol WWF – World Wide Fund For Nature (Formerly World Wildlife Fund) ® “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark. WWF, Avenue du Mont-Blanc, 1196 Gland, Switzerland – Tel. +41 22 364 9111 Fax +41 22 364 0332. For contact details and further information, please visit our international website at www.panda.org

268,294

25,000+

13New Facebook followers

New species discovered in Cambodia during 2013-2014

A quarter of a million people signed a petition calling for a stop to the Don Sahong Dam

2,700-5,700Cambodia has the world’s largest population of the globally endangered Banteng wild cattle

WWF-Cambodia in numbers

WWF-Cambodia21 Street 322, Boeung Keng Kang I,Chamkar Mom, Phnom Penh, CambodiaTel: +855 23 218 034Fax: +855 23 211 909Email: [email protected]

WWW.CAMBODIA.PANDA.ORG• ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 WWF-Cambodia

1,120Tonnes of rattan harvested by the community, of which 50% is supplied to the Rattan Association of Cambodia

Documents

Conservation and sustainable development : Striking a ...d2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net/downloads/annual_report_2013_2014... · Conservation and sustainable development : Striking